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Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational Therapy is the art and science of helping others to live life to its fullest. Practitioners of this profession are occupational therapists (OT) and occupational therapy assistants (OTA). OTs and OTAs work with individuals of any age to develop, recover or maintain the skills needed to participate in occupation (everyday activities) with meaning, satisfaction and productivity. Under the supervision of an occupational therapist, an assistant will develop and provide therapeutic activities and strategies that will help their clients gain the cognitive, physical, emotional and/or developmental skills necessary for everyday life. They may also provide adaptive equipment or techniques necessary to carry out life tasks, provide education and consultation to individuals, families and society, and address prevention. The OTA will work with the health care team which may include physicians, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, and speech and language pathologists, in a variety of settings including: hospitals, school systems, community mental health centers, nursing homes, home health agencies and private practice. After successfully completing an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, the graduate is eligible to take the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a COTA. In addition, most states including Ohio require licensure to practice; however, Ohio and most other state licenses are based on passing of the NBCOT exam. After achieving licensure, the individual will be a COTA/L.After achieving licensure, the individual will be a COTA/L.

The Rhodes State OTA Program prepares students to be competent, professional occupational therapy assistants.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of occupational therapy assistants is expected to grow due to the increased demand for rehabilitation and long-term care services. According to the 2013 Rhodes State College Gradu¬ate Survey of OTA graduates, the average starting hourly rate was $24.70.

Advancing my Career

The University of Findlay, in Findlay, Ohio, has a "2+3" Master's degree program specifically designed ONLY for individuals who have earned their associate degree in OTA and have practiced for over one year. There are other programs in Occupational Therapy throughout the United States which award master's degrees. Contact the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) (301-652-AOTA) for current information.

After graduation you must become certified and licensed:

Certification

In order to practice, the graduates must take and pass the National Certificate Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT):

After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). NOTE: A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for this exam and attain state licensure.

Licensing

The State of Ohio requires that a COTA be licensed to practice. It is the assistant’s responsibility to obtain and maintain all appropriate licenses in order to actively practice occupational therapy. The State of Ohio does require applicants to pass a written exam upon initial licensure.

1. Acceptance into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program requires a separate application process. Please contact the Advising Office for the application packet. Application deadline for the program is February 13, 2015.

a. All students seeking consideration for this program must complete the TEAS V for AH (formerly HOBET) testing to qualify for acceptance.

b. Students who did not score at or above the minimum acceptable level on the placement test are required to successfully complete the respective developmental course(s) with a grade of "C" or higher in order to be considered for the acceptance process. The student must complete these developmental courses and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher before he or she can be considered for the acceptance process. These courses do NOT count toward graduation.

2. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program admits once a year for the Summer semester.

Notice to prospective or current occupational therapy students

You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors. You may not be able to participate in clinical education experiences at some hospitals or other clinical sites; therefore preventing you from completing the program. A felony conviction may affect your ability to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant (NBCOT exam) or attain state licensure.